SIU System Bestows McNeese ADEI Lifetime Achievement Award to SIUC’s Dr. Marc Morris and SIUE’s Dr. Howard Rambsy
February 9, 2026
Two distinguished faculty members have been honored by the Southern Illinois University System for their longtime efforts to advance antiracism, diversity, equity and inclusion (ADEI).
Marc E. Morris, PhD, JD, and Howard Rambsy II, PhD, each received the prestigious Dr. Wesley G. Robinson-McNeese ADEI Lifetime Achievement Award during the SIU Board of Trustees meeting Feb. 5, 2026, on the SIU Edwardsville campus.
Morris is dean of the College of Business and Analytics at SIU Carbondale. He earned three degrees from SIU, including a doctorate in accounting, and received a law degree from the University of Wisconsin. Starting at SIU Carbondale in 2004 as an instructor in the School of Accountancy, he earned several promotions and served as co-acting provost in 2023. His university service includes membership on the Chancellor’s Diversity and Inclusion Task Force and the Chancellor’s Leadership Council. He has been active in the community as well, serving on the boards of the Boys and Girls Club of Southern Illinois and the Eurma C. Hayes Center in Carbondale.
“Colleagues often describe him as a ‘vision-sharer’ and a trusted presence during times of transition and challenge, known for leading with authenticity, care and purpose,” Caldwell said about Morris. “His commitment to mentoring and to creating meaningful pathways for students, particularly through initiatives such as the SOAR, has made a lasting and meaningful impact.”
SOAR is the Saluki Opportunities Awareness Residency, a week-long summer camp for minority high school students. They learn how to prepare for college life and about opportunities in accounting, finance and business-related fields. They also receive a foundation for financial literacy and strong interpersonal skills.
“To be recognized with a lifetime achievement award alongside Dr. Rambsy, named after a trailblazer in this field is humbling,” Morris said. “I’m grateful to the SIU System not only for this honor, but for continuing to elevate and affirm the importance of this work.”
Rambsy is a faculty member in the College of Arts and Sciences’ (CAS) Department of English Language and Literature and was named SIUE’s Distinguished Research Professor in 2022. Throughout his career, Rambsy has combined scholarship, mentorship, and creative
programming to elevate Black literary studies and broaden perspectives on cultural consciousness. His projects, publications, and student collaborations have helped shape SIUE’s engagement with equity and representation across the humanities.
“Receiving this award comes at the right time, just as far too many people are questioning diversity and diversity efforts,” he shared. “It feels especially significant to be recognized for work that affirms the importance of inclusion, equity, and ongoing institutional commitment.”
Rambsy continues to advance these goals, especially through his books “The Black Arts Enterprise” (2011), “Bad Men: Creative Touchstones of Black Writers” (2020), and “Writing Black Panther: Ta-Nehisi Coates and Representation Struggles” (forthcoming May 2026), and with teaching and mentoring in SIUE’s Boundless Scholar Experience (BSE) program for underrepresented students
SIU System President Dan Mahony, PhD, said SIU benefits from having many faculty, staff and students who are leading the way and making history in ADEI. “SIU remains committed to advancing ADEI efforts as we continue to make progress,” he said. “We are proud of the achievements of Dr. Morris and Dr. Rambsy and their positive impact on our students and academic community.”
McNeese, after whom this award is named, was the SIU System executive director for diversity initiatives and special advisor to the SIU Department of Antiracism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. He was an alumnus of the SIU School of Medicine and a physician. He joined the SIU faculty in 2001 and served in multiple roles during his 15-year tenure. He died Sept. 18, 2023, at the age of 75.
The Southern Illinois University System enriches students and diverse communities through inclusive excellence, experiential education and innovation. The system creates and shares knowledge that enables stakeholders to achieve their full potential, serves as an economic catalyst for the region and state, and advances global change, opportunities and social justice. Over the last 150 years, the SIU campuses have grown from humble beginnings to be recognized as ever-expanding centers for learning and research. During that time, SIU Carbondale, SIU Edwardsville and the SIU School of Medicine have developed into the core of a modern university system that provides educational opportunities for nearly 26,000 students.
